MW2 lacks the consistency, gravitas and impact of COD4’s campaign. It’s the blockbuster sequel to a modern classic: full on flash, low on substance. The plot is interesting and has some neat twists, but the campaign is too short (around 5 hours on normal, 5-10 on veteran) to do it justice: too much of the story is left to player extrapolation, important information is said in passing and there are lapses in logic and plot holes aplenty. Fortunately, the game propels you forward on pure adrenaline: there are some great moments – memorable moments – but the overall impact is lessened.
From a technical perspective however, MW2 is superior to its predecessor. It looks and sounds better: renowned film score composer Hans Zimmer did the soundtrack (Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Dark Knight) adding to the game’s blockbuster quality.
The gameplay is almost identical to COD4. Sure there are refinements but the core gameplay is virtually unchanged. Depending on who you are this could be a good or bad thing.
Perhaps the game’s biggest weakness is its length, which leaves the story feeling slapped together – designed around set pieces – and unfinished: the latter not being entirely untrue. Still, when it was over I was begging for more, which is testament to the game’s quality.